Freeform Opal
21st Century and Contemporary North American Artisan Dangle Earrings
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Yellow Gold
2010s Loose Gemstones
Fire Opal
2010s American Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal
2010s American Fashion Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century Unknown Artisan Solitaire Rings
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s Australian Modernist Brooches
Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s American Modernist Solitaire Rings
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
2010s Australian Loose Gemstones
Opal, Black Opal
21st Century and Contemporary North American Drop Earrings
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
2010s American Drop Earrings
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal
2010s Australian Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
2010s Australian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Turkish Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Emerald, Opal, 24k Gold
20th Century Unknown Modern Fashion Rings
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Mid-20th Century Australian Modern Drop Earrings
Diamond, Opal, Pearl, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Pendant Necklaces
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary More Earrings
Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 14k Gold
2010s Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1970s Modern Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century Unknown Contemporary Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Chain Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Artisan Stud Earrings
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s German Artist Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver
2010s American Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Unknown Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
2010s Turkish Contemporary Fashion Rings
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Artist Chain Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Drop Earrings
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Modern Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Drop Earrings
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Cultured Pearl, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Y...
2010s American Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Modern Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Modern Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, White Gold
2010s American Modern Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, White Gold
2010s American Modern Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Russian Art Nouveau Lever-Back Earrings
Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Stud Earrings
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 1980s Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
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Freeform Opal For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Freeform Opal?
The Legacy of Opal in Jewelry Design
Opals were discovered in 400 BC, and since then five types have been found throughout the world. Before you start shopping for mysteriously beautiful vintage opal rings and other opal jewelry, learn about the different varieties of the gem — and find out which historical figure was reportedly willing to trade his kingdom for a single stone.
Here is a little riddle for you: the month of October has two birthstones, but only one of them encompasses the colors of other birthstones. If you guessed opal, you’re right! (The other gemstone associated with the month of October is tourmaline.)
Opals are such unusual gemstones that there are too many old-wives tales associated with them, like if you’re a blond, wearing an opal necklace will protect your locks from losing color. Opals were also very fashionable in the early 19th century, up until the publication of Sir Walter Scott’s novel Anne of Geierstein in 1829. The title heroine wears an opal and succumbs to an untimely death. However, the British monarchy, and in particular Queen Victoria, did not let this story get in their way, and they frequently gifted opals to friends and family members. October babies should disregard the noise and proudly wear their opals!
There are five types of precious opals: boulder opal, fire opal, crystal/water opal, black opal, and white/light opal. Each variety is distinguished by its color.
So, where does the name come from? The word opal is thought to originate from the Roman opalus or from the Sanskrit úpala (“precious stone”) or from the Greek opallios (“to see a color change”). So while there have been many names for the stones, opals were first discovered in 400 BC in Ethiopia. But the early reference that comes up most often in history books is from the Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder, who wrote about it in 75 AD. In his text he refers to it as opali. The Romans were big fans of opal, Mark Antony was so enamored by it that, as the story goes, he was willing to trade a portion of his kingdom for a single opal.
There's a wide variety of antique and vintage opal jewelry on 1stDibs (and you won't have to trade your kingdom for it).